Table tennis star set for the Commonwealth Games

A PING-PONG player from Paddington is jetting off to Australia to compete in the Commonwealth Games.

Tin Tin Ho is one of 11 table tennis players selected to play for Team England in the Gold Coast event in April.

At the last games, in Glasgow 2014, Tin Tin was just 15 years old but still scooped a silver medal in the mixed-doubles.

She said: “I’m really excited, especially as it’s in Australia.

“It’s my second Commonwealth Games and the last one was a really good experience, it was my first big multi-sports event, so I know what it’s like this time.

“I remember Glasgow really well. I was the youngest player and felt I had no pressure and went out and enjoyed it. My goal is to get an individual medal but I know that will be really tough.

“It’s something I can work towards and see what happens.”

Love of the sport runs in her family – Tin Tin was named after the initials of table tennis by her father.

She won her Commonwealth medal with Liam Pitchford who is also travelling out to the games.

He said: “We’re all really good friends off the table and we’re always there working for each other and will bring that to the table in Australia. In the doubles, there’s definitely chances for medals.”

Team England is sending some 600 athletes and staff to compete in 18 sports.

Table tennis team leader Simon Mills said: “We travel with confidence that the squad will compete strongly for medals.

“The selection process was very competitive, which bodes well for the future, including a home games in Birmingham in 2022.”­